{"id":2257,"date":"2020-01-14T14:23:45","date_gmt":"2020-01-14T14:23:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/?page_id=2257"},"modified":"2025-12-18T15:14:04","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T14:14:04","slug":"myths-and-truths","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/myths-and-truths\/","title":{"rendered":"Myths Vs Truths"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-inpage-nav-rea-inpage-nav-block rea-inpage-nav-block front has-margin\"><div class=\"rea-inpage-nav-block__image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/wooden.png)\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"inpage-nav-background\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/wooden.png\"><\/div><div class=\"rea-inpage-nav-block__content\"><div class=\"rea-inpage-nav-block__content--wrapper\"><div class=\"text-wrapper\"><h2 class=\"inpage-nav-title\">Myths Vs Truths<\/h2><ul class=\"inpage-nav-list\"><li>You might already have some preconceptions about schizophrenia, but do you know the myths from the truths?<\/li><li>Explore common myths about schizophrenia and the truths behind them.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><div class=\"section-nav\"><h4 class=\"section-nav--title\">In this section<\/h4><div class=\"section-nav--nav-items js-inpage-nav-items\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\"><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front\"><div class=\"rea-title-block__content\"><h3 id=\"\" class=\"content-title rea-hidden\"><\/h3><h4 class=\"content-subtitle \">MYTH: Schizophrenia is a rare condition<\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\"><strong>TRUTH<\/strong>: Schizophrenia affects approximately 1 in 100 people over the course of their life, and is not considered rare at all!<sup>1<\/sup> It usually begins in young people ranging between 15 and 30 years of age,<sup>2<\/sup> but it can affect anyone \u2013 chances are that you will meet someone living with schizophrenia and you just don\u2019t know it.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-cta-rea-cta-block rea-cta-block front\"><div class=\"rea-cta-block__content\"><h4 class=\"cta-title\"><\/h4><p class=\"cta-text\"><\/p><a class=\"button__primary button-text\" href=\"\/public\/understanding-schizophrenia\/brief-overview-of-schizophrenia\">Find out more about schizophrenia<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front\"><div class=\"rea-title-block__content\"><h3 id=\"\" class=\"content-title rea-hidden\"><\/h3><h4 class=\"content-subtitle \">MYTH: Schizophrenia is inherited<\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\"><strong>TRUTH<\/strong>: There have been many studies into the genetic causes of schizophrenia and scientists generally agree that genes are only part of the answer. It is true that, for example, studies in twins show that some genes increase the risk of developing schizophrenia<sup>1<\/sup>. In particular, identical twins have exactly the same genes in their bodies and studies have shown that if an identical twin has schizophrenia, their twin has 50% chance of developing schizophrenia too.<sup>1<\/sup> However, there are many people living with schizophrenia who have no family history of the condition and vice versa.<sup>2<\/sup> On the other hand, studies have revealed that biological factors such as paternal age, and environmental factors such as stressful life events, can play just as big a role in the development of schizophrenia as your genes!<sup>3<\/sup> <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-cta-rea-cta-block rea-cta-block front\"><div class=\"rea-cta-block__content\"><h4 class=\"cta-title\"><\/h4><p class=\"cta-text\"><\/p><a class=\"button__primary button-text\" href=\"\/public\/understanding-schizophrenia\/brief-overview-of-schizophrenia\">Find out more about the causes of schizophrenia<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front\"><div class=\"rea-title-block__content\"><h3 id=\"\" class=\"content-title rea-hidden\"><\/h3><h4 class=\"content-subtitle \">MYTH: People with schizophrenia suffer from the same symptoms<\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\"><strong>TRUTH<\/strong>: Schizophrenia is a complex condition with many different symptoms. Every person with schizophrenia will have a unique experience and their combination of symptoms will vary.<sup>4<\/sup> Also, the pattern of schizophrenia can vary over time so what a person with schizophrenia might be experiencing at any given moment might be completely different to another who, for example, has been living with the condition for longer. Remember that not all people with schizophrenia will experience the same symptoms so if you think you have or know someone who has a combination of symptoms, which might be related to schizophrenia, seek advice from a professional. <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-cta-rea-cta-block rea-cta-block front\"><div class=\"rea-cta-block__content\"><h4 class=\"cta-title\"><\/h4><p class=\"cta-text\"><\/p><a class=\"button__primary button-text\" href=\"\/public\/understanding-schizophrenia\/main-symptoms\/\">Symptoms of schizophrenia<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front\"><div class=\"rea-title-block__content\"><h3 id=\"\" class=\"content-title rea-hidden\"><\/h3><h4 class=\"content-subtitle \">MYTH: Schizophrenia is the same as having a \u201csplit personality\u201d<\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\"><strong>TRUTH<\/strong>: Literally,  the Greek translation for schizophrenia means \u201csplit mind\u201d, but this  was not its intended use, regardless of what movies and pop culture may  suggest! Instead, it refers to the specific symptom of hallucinations  where people with schizophrenia might experience a \u2018split\u2019 from reality.  In fact, people with \u2018split personalities\u2019 have a completely different  diagnosis called<em> dissociative identity disorder,<\/em> which is commonly confused with schizophrenia.<sup>5<\/sup> Stay informed to know the differences!<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-cta-rea-cta-block rea-cta-block front\"><div class=\"rea-cta-block__content\"><h4 class=\"cta-title\"><\/h4><p class=\"cta-text\"><\/p><a class=\"button__primary button-text\" href=\"\/public\/understanding-schizophrenia\/clinical-course-of-disease\">Clinical course of schizophrenia<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front\"><div class=\"rea-title-block__content\"><h3 id=\"\" class=\"content-title rea-hidden\"><\/h3><h4 class=\"content-subtitle \">MYTH: People with schizophrenia commonly experience hallucinations like in the movies!<\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\"><strong>TRUTH: <\/strong>The movies always depict crazy behaviours that are of course more dramatic and catch the attention. But this is a stereotype. Hallucinations are considered positive symptoms of schizophrenia; however, people with schizophrenia also have negative symptoms that refer to the loss of some every day functions. Negative symptoms are much more commonplace, but are clearly a lot less dramatic than certain stereotypes propagated by the media make you think. In fact, one study reported that almost 70% of characters with schizophrenia in 41 movies released between 1990 and 2010 had bizarre delusions.<sup>6<\/sup> This is a misrepresentation of the distribution of symptoms, and a stereotype that fuels the misinformation and negative attitudes towards schizophrenia. Know your stuff to avoid the pitfalls!<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-cta-rea-cta-block rea-cta-block front\"><div class=\"rea-cta-block__content\"><h4 class=\"cta-title\"><\/h4><p class=\"cta-text\"><\/p><a class=\"button__primary button-text\" href=\"\/public\/understanding-schizophrenia\/main-symptoms\">Symptoms of schizophrenia<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front\"><div class=\"rea-title-block__content\"><h3 id=\"\" class=\"content-title rea-hidden\"><\/h3><h4 class=\"content-subtitle \">MYTH: People with schizophrenia may be dangerous and should be institutionalised<\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\"><strong>TRUTH: <\/strong>It might be true that some people with schizophrenia experience violent behaviours, but these violent behaviours are more common in people that use substances.<sup>7<\/sup> However, violent behaviours and other symptoms of schizophrenia are usually managed well with the right treatment and patient support networks. This means that there is usually no need for institutionalisation and people living with schizophrenia can often integrate seamlessly into society. <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-cta-rea-cta-block rea-cta-block front\"><div class=\"rea-cta-block__content\"><h4 class=\"cta-title\"><\/h4><p class=\"cta-text\"><\/p><a class=\"button__primary button-text\" href=\"\/public\/diagnosis-and-treatment\/diagnosis\">Diagnosing schizophrenia<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front\"><div class=\"rea-title-block__content\"><h3 id=\"\" class=\"content-title rea-hidden\"><\/h3><h4 class=\"content-subtitle \">MYTH: Drugs for schizophrenia do not work  well<\/h4><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-paragraph-rea-paragraph-block rea-paragraph-block front\"><div class=\"rea-paragraph-block__content\"><p class=\"content-text\"><strong>TRUTH: <\/strong>Most people with schizophrenia will take antipsychotic drugs to help with symptoms and also receive psychological treatment or talking therapies.<sup>8<\/sup> This combination is more effective than when used alone, but continuous treatment is just as important.<sup>8<\/sup> Although schizophrenia is considered a chronic mental illness with highly variable symptoms, the appropriate early medical support and care can help most people with schizophrenia live long, stable and fulling lives.  <\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-cta-rea-cta-block rea-cta-block front\"><div class=\"rea-cta-block__content\"><h4 class=\"cta-title\"><\/h4><p class=\"cta-text\"><\/p><a class=\"button__primary button-text\" href=\"\/public\/advice-and-support\/how-to-help\">How can I help?<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-references-rea-references-block rea-references-block front\"><div class=\"rea-references-block__references\"><p class=\"references-title\">References<\/p><ol class=\"references-list\"><li>Royal College of Psychiatrists, Schizophrenia, 2019. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rcpsych.ac.uk\/mental-health\/problems-disorders\/schizophrenia\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.rcpsych.ac.uk\/mental-health\/problems-disorders\/schizophrenia<\/a> [Accessed July 2019]<\/li><li>National Institute of Mental Health, Schizophrenia, 2019. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/schizophrenia\/index.shtml\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/topics\/schizophrenia\/index.shtml<\/a> [Accessed July 2019]<\/li><li>Brown AS. The environment and susceptibility to schizophrenia. Prog Neurobiol. 2011;93(1):23-58.<\/li><li>Mind, Schizophrenia, 2017. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mind.org.uk\/information-support\/types-of-mental-health-problems\/schizophrenia\/#.XTgrjOhKhhE\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.mind.org.uk\/information-support\/types-of-mental-health-problems\/schizophrenia\/#.XTgrjOhKhhE<\/a> [Accessed July 2019]<\/li><li>Canadian Mental Health Association, What\u2019s the difference between dissociative identity disorder (multiple personality disorder) and schizophrenia? 2015. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.heretohelp.bc.ca\/q-and-a\/whats-the-difference-between-dissociative-identity-disorder-and-schizophrenia\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.heretohelp.bc.ca\/q-and-a\/whats-the-difference-between-dissociative-identity-disorder-and-schizophrenia<\/a> [Accessed July 2019]<\/li><li>Owen PR. Portrayals of schizophrenia by entertainment media: a content analysis of contemporary movies. Psychiatr Serv. 2012;63(7):655-9<\/li><li>Walsh E, Buchanan A, Fahy T. Violence and schizophrenia: examining the evidence. Br J Psychiatry. 2002;180:490-5<\/li><li>NICE, Psychosis and schizophrenia in adults: prevention and management, Clinical Guidance CG178, 2014. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nice.org.uk\/guidance\/cg178\/chapter\/1-Recommendations#first-episode-psychosis-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.nice.org.uk\/guidance\/cg178\/chapter\/1-Recommendations#first-episode-psychosis-2<\/a> [Accessed July 2019]<\/li><\/ol><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rea-title-rea-title-block rea-title-block front rea-share-block\" style=\"margin-bottom:30px;text-align:center;\">\n\t\t<div class=\"\">\n\t\t\t<span style=\"display:block;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:20px;\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2257\" class=\"facebook-share\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&#038;url=https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2257\" class=\"linkedin-share\" target=\"_blank\"><\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Share<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2379,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-fullwidth.php","meta":{"rea_page_title_signed_in_meta_block_field":"SCHIZOPHRENIA: MYTHS vs TRUTHS","rea_page_title_signed_out_meta_block_field":"SCHIZOPHRENIA: MYTHS vs TRUTHS","rea_page_description_signed_in_meta_block_field":"You might already have some preconceptions about schizophrenia, but do you know the myths from the truths? Explore common myths about schizophrenia and the truths behind them.","rea_page_description_signed_out_meta_block_field":"You might already have some preconceptions about schizophrenia, but do you know the myths from the truths? Explore common myths about schizophrenia and the truths behind them.","rea_page_footer_id_meta_block_field":"","rea_page_footer_date_meta_block_field":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2257","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2257","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2257"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2257\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5075,"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2257\/revisions\/5075"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2379"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mtasean.com\/public\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2257"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}